Member Since: 26 Dec 2018
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 47
Disco 3 not starting when cold...advice on a fix please?
Hello
Well I have had my discovery 3 now for almost two months and so far I have a long list of issues that I am slowly working my way through - still love the car though.
Can anyone tell me how to properly fix the 'not starting when it is cold' problem?
I have watched the YouTube video that shows the fix and this has worked every time I have used it.
What I want to know though is how do you fix this to remove the need to go and boil the kettle??
Thanks everyone.
23rd Jan 2019 7:03 pm
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20727
Member Since: 26 Dec 2018
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 47
Oh bum. That sounds expensive?
23rd Jan 2019 7:31 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10360
Early models, sensor in the middle.
Later models have the temperature sensor to the side. (by the air filter box)
Grey plug with white wire coming out.
The cheap/direct alternative to boiling the kettle is this:
Dobbo wrote:
Not sure about that - all I can say is I have put the 5 k resistor {across the temp sensor you boil, via a switch} in and bingo i have no issues now
I have fitted it to a horn type switch (pressed in - on and finger removed - off so as soon as the gauge rises up to just under half way I remove finger and start
Is maybe not be professional, but its seam worth while switch addition to have.
Glowplugs can be replaced in the summer, should you wish. (£700 ish)
What we really need is an ECU map update to do this!
Last edited by Pete K on 5th Sep 2021 12:05 pm. Edited 2 times in total
23rd Jan 2019 7:33 pm
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20727
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
Dont forget as the D3s fall in value, a 700 pound repair bill will be close to scrapping the car or the owner simply cannot afford it.
23rd Jan 2019 9:17 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6567
I’m sure you all knew this but the V8 starts fine in -29 oC. How do I know, I hear you asking? Well....
8)
23rd Jan 2019 9:19 pm
Flapper
Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 329
cheapfix
In that video above he warms the grey censor, this makes the ecu think its not cold, in stead of warming with water or a hair drier just add a 2000 ohm resistor and a switch across the censor wires, when its cold flick the switch so the resistor is across the censor and it starts total cost less than a fiver.
I have done this and it works a treat for a quick fix, now saving for new glow plugs and a feul burning heater rebuild as that's broken as well.
24th Jan 2019 2:42 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10360
as you can see from the quote a few lines up, dobbo has used a 5K resistor to that effect. and that results in the temp gauge being " just under half way " 75°C
Where does your temp gauge sit, when your switch activated with your 2000 resistor ? 100°
I'm gonna have to try this
Last edited by Pete K on 10th Dec 2020 1:21 pm. Edited 2 times in total
24th Jan 2019 8:54 pm
Flapper
Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 329
Its sits just above cold, I found that if its too hot you have to much diesel going in so its a bit lumpy still starts though.
I have ordered a variable resistor 0-5000 ohms so should be able to tune the value down so its just right.
Also putting the resistor in and out of the circuit when its running you get no alarms only the temp going up and down.
Pete-k you helped me with this last year.
25th Jan 2019 2:26 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10360
Did I ?
I guess the gauge sitting just above minimum is much closer to the condition of pouring boiler water on the outside of the sensor.
It's quite amazing that setting the temperature to just above cold or normal allows the thing to start, but the correct temperature doesn't! (must inject less fuel)
Last edited by Pete K on 10th Dec 2020 1:22 pm. Edited 1 time in total
25th Jan 2019 4:35 pm
Flapper
Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 329
diagram
All
Here is a simple diagram showing where the resistor and switch/button go.
As ever you do this at your own risk.
I have done this and have no issues what so ever, even switching the resistor in and out of the circuit when the engine is running, all that happens on my car is the engine temp gauge goes up and down.
This happens very slowly.
Its up to you if you run the button into the cab or keep it under the bonnet, mines in the cab on the flat panel between the dash board end and the door, if you remove the blower vent you have a nice space and can see the back of the panel to drill a small hole for you switch.
I'll add some pics of the button at some point.
Hope this helps
F
29th Jan 2019 9:56 am
DVE
Member Since: 26 Dec 2018
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 47
Thanks Flapper that is great.
Weirdly it is starting at the moment (zero degrees) but we'll see in the morning.
Photos would be helpful if you can.
Thanks again.
30th Jan 2019 11:20 pm
DVE
Member Since: 26 Dec 2018
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 47
Ps . Flapper. Have you seen Robbie's guide to FBH repair? It is very good:
Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 329
I think it's the thermo stat that's broken on mine as it wont turn off when its warm so had too lock it out as it keeps running.
On another note -3 tonight didn't start .
Switched off pushed the button for the resistor started straight away. Pic tonight.
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